Rescue Me

Fontella Bass

About Rescue Me

"Rescue Me" is a rhythm and blues song first recorded and released as a single by Fontella Bass in 1965. The original versions of the record, and BMI, give the songwriting credit to Raynard Miner and Carl William Smith, although many other sources also credit Bass herself as a co-writer. It would prove the biggest hit of Bass's career, reaching #1 on the R&B charts for four weeks and placing at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. "Rescue Me" also peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart.  


Year:
1996
2:55
34 
#1

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Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Come on and take my heart
Take your love and conquer every part
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me

Come on, baby, and rescue me
Come on, baby, and rescue me
'Cause I need you by my side
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Take me in your arms
Rescue me
I want your tender charm
'Cause I'm lonely
And I'm blue
I need you
And your love too
Come on and rescue me (come on baby)

Take me baby (take me baby)
Hold me baby (hold me baby)
Love me baby (love me baby)
Can't you see that I need you baby
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Rescue me
Come on and take my hand
C'mon, baby and be my man
'Cause I love you
'Cause I want you
Can't you see that I'm lonely

Mmm-hmm (mmm-hmm)
Mmm-hmm (mmm-hmm)
Take me baby (take me baby)
Love me baby (love me baby)
Need me baby (need me baby)
Mmm-hmm (mmm-hmm)
Can't you see that I'm lonely
Rescue me
Rescue me
Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Fontella Bass

Fontella Bass (born July 3, 1940) is an American soul singer, who is best known for the 1965 R&B hit "Rescue Me", which she also co-wrote. more »

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Written by: Carl Smith, Raynard Miner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Rescue Me" is Fontella Bass' biggest hit. Fontella Bass was an American R&B and soul singer, best known for her 1965 hit.
Chart Performance
The song reached the top spot on the R&B chart for four weeks and was her only Top 40 pop hit, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100.
Unique Sound
Fontella Bass’ performance in “Rescue Me” is often remembered for her soulful, emotive voice and the engaging gospel-infused piano lines.
Co-writer
Apart from being the vocalist, Fontella Bass also co-wrote the song. This was quite unusual in an era where artists rarely wrote their own material.
Notable Covers
The song has been covered by many artists, including Cher, Linda Ronstadt, Pat Benatar and Diane Reeves. It has also been featured in several films, commercials and television series.
Royalties Controversy
Fontella Bass did not receive proper royalties from the song initially. She sued American Express and its advertising agency in the 1990s for using the song in a commercial without her permission. In the end, she received a settlement.
Cultural Impact
The song "Rescue Me" has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2018. It is also listed as one of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll.
Production Details
The song was recorded at the legendary Chess Records in Chicago and was released on the subsidiary label, Checker Records.
Musical Composition
"Rescue Me" is known for its memorable bass line, which was played by famed Chicago session musician, Louis Satterfield.
Background Vocals
Minnie Riperton, who later achieved fame with her own hit song “Lovin’ You,” was one of the background vocalists in the song.

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    Rescue Me

    6.3M
    35,507     763

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1965

    Billboard #4


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